This was an absolutely amazing book! I had a few bumps getting started, (personal issues prevented me from reading it at once), but once I got going I truly did not want to put it down. For American readers, like me, you will probably have to check a few words. I had no real problems with this and I have colorfully added to my vocabulary.
I was curious when I came across this book. I am acquainted with depression and suicide, (both attempts and, sadly, actual ones ). I know the devastation it leaves behind. Finding a good book that deals with suicide without being depressing, without judging and with compassion, humor and understanding, was, in my opinion, like finding a needle in a haystack. Apparently that is easier than I believed as here is that book. The author wrote eloquently on the subject of suicide, presenting the pain in a palatable manner. He used humor to ease it while he wrote much to think about. I became invested in the town and the people easily with this story that I never wanted to end.
The characters are very well written. They became alive for me. McSorely wasn't my favorite though, at the end of it, I did feel for him. I loved Gail and Buchan. Oddly, maybe, I was drawn to Moira and would love to know her more. I most certainly hope there will be a return to Moristoun. There are people that I became attached to. I want to visit them again. Sadly, I think there are many McSorelys in need of Buchan.
As to who I would recommend the book to. Sadly, I think the subject matter is one that, in some form, touches everyone. Therefore I would recommend it to anyone, late teens and up. For those who want to know yes, there is swearing. It is not overwhelming though, (at least not the swearing I know). I have come away with a bigger vocabulary that I will entertain family and friends with. My heritage is Scot so I think I will get away with it. There is also violence though not as graphic as a lot of books I read. The book does deal with the afterlife. For me, it gave me much to think about and discuss. I'm strong enough in my beliefs to handle examining them.
I would like to thank Booktasters on Twitter for bringing this book to me. I would like to thank the author who sent me an ecopy for review purposes. The review is based on my honest feelings of the book. I received no compensation for this review. Well, pleasure. I did get a lot of pleasure from it. Along with questions of if I was okay when I lost it reading in public. The part was just so good that I had to respond verbally to the character. I know you understand. ( )

I thought it was fabulous but I'm a bit biased ( )

One of the best book's I have read in the last few years. The originality and the genius of the plot is one to behold. Wayward Pines meets Its My Wonderful Life , an absolute classic.

When the main character is on the verge of committing suicide he is whisked away to the mysterious island of Moristoun to be given time to think about his decison and the chance to return to his old life with the possibility of a better future. The characters the author has created who reside on the island are first class and have their own story to tell, they are governed by the council and must obey the laws that are laid down in the book. The deep human emotions that are protrayed allow the reader to really make a connection with each and every one of them.

An excellent read with brilliant characters and an absorbing tale of peoples misfortunes and it would be nice to think that such a place existed where we were are all given a second chance to return to the mortal coil before we have to move one. This author is definitely on my reading list. ( )